Studying abroad vs Indian degree

Pervin Malhotra

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Q. My twin brother and I are studying in a boarding school in Mussoorie in Class XI. Many of our classmates are planning to go abroad for higher education. Our parents have left the choice to us but we are in two minds. Can you please tell us the advantages of studying abroad?  — Ta rini Uppal

A. Who wouldn’t like to have a degree that can help him/her establish a successful future not just in the host country, but also across the world. However, “abroad” is a broad term. You need to be sure where “abroad” and for what course. Not everything foreign is good. Just as we have good bad and indifferent colleges here in India, so too the world over.

That said, graduates from reputed foreign universities are highly sought after thanks to the quality of their education system which opens doors to various opportunities for students to explore professional horizons across the globe.

Moreover, studying abroad can profoundly impact the way you view the world and your place in it. It will challenge you while taking you out of your comfort zone. It also helps you develop independence, self- reliance and adaptability.  

So if you’re looking for something more than an academic education, studying abroad for any period of time will help you relate academic theory to diverse applications in the real world.  The most significant differentiating factor is that you’ll learn to meet international benchmarks in everything you do, with a realistic understanding of working with people from different cultures. 

International education not only gives you a global perspective but makes you more flexible in the work environment, but also gives you a wider array of career choices upon graduation.

Experiential learning, excellent research facilities, technical exposure and opportunity to work abroad, are some of the key reasons why students seek to go abroad for higher studies. 

Once accessible only to the world’s elite, higher education is now open to the masses, particularly the burgeoning middle class thanks to bank loans with long-term paybacks.. 

Governments of the fastest-growing/emerging economies are investing heavily in expanding their higher education systems; creating scholarships to help students acquire a foreign education – and carry it back home – participating in cross-border research partnerships and exchanges that elevate their countries’ status, potential for innovation, and influence in the world.

The eligibility requirements and procedures vary from country to country. If you’re planning to study abroad, the admission process requires you to give one language exam to show your English proficiency skills along with the specific documents required for college and courses. The language exam is required for almost all courses; UG courses, PG courses, Certificates or Diplomas (unless mentioned). Different countries give preference to one language exam over others. Some of the most popular, and most important international entrance exams include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, GMAT & GRE

A computer-based test is a better way to demonstrate English language proficiency. It’s widely recognised that human marking can be influenced by a range of subjective factors, particularly when only one person rates the test taker’s performance. Computer-based tests can measure an array of skills and knowledge and give valuable insight as to the test-taker’s abilities and aptitude. 

Studying abroad can be one of the most beneficial experiences for a student. Eventually you’ll find a job and career, but the opportunity to study abroad may turn out to be a once in a life time opportunity. So, take this opportunity to travel the world with no commitments but to study and learn about new cultures. It’s an enriching experience unlike any other that will not only shape your career but your life. If you have the means and are game for it, do grab the opportunity — either straight after school r even after you’ve completed your bachelor’s here.

Business courses

Q. Currently I am studying in ISC Class XII in maths stream. I want to make a career in business. So what should I do after passing Class XII? And which are the universities that offer these courses. — Simran Taneja

A. While BCom, BCom (Hons), BBA/BMS/BBM or BBE or BFIA or BA Eco may be somewhat more appropriate, if you are interested in going into business... you can do so from just about any and every stream at the bachelor’s level. And luckily for you, these courses are very widely offered all across the country. At the postgrad level you can go for an MBA/MFC etc which will sharpen your business skills.

Lots of options for mathematics courses

Q.I am studying in Class XI (PCM). I have recently cleared my Class X Boards with 92 per cent markes. I love mathematics and have scored 99 in the subject. Can you please suggest what I should opt as my Bachelor’s degree?— Sagar Ghai

A. How lucky you are to be a maths wiz...!

If you love the subject (as you obviously do), you must pursue either a BSc or an Integrated MSc in maths from a reputed university for starters...

• Chennai Mathematical Institute (University), Chennai www.cmi.ac.in/admissions/
• IISc, Bangalore (4-yr BS in Physics & Maths)
• IISERS, NISERs
• ITs

Courses:

• 4-year BS (Mathematics & Scientific Computing) at IIT Kanpur, 
• 5-year integrated MSc (Applied Maths) at IIT Roorkee, 
• 5-year integrated MSc (Mathematics & Computing) at IIT Kharagpur
• Institute of Mathematics & Applications, Bhubaneswar
• Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) – (Kolkata & Bengaluru)
• BITS, Pilani, Goa etc 
• Delhi University: BSc Math/Stats
• Delhi University's CIC:  B.Tech (IT & Mathematical Innovations)

Of course besides these, just about every reputed University offers BSc Maths/Stats (Hon).

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